#Story
The Three Angels
Following the devastating raid on the city of Coventry on 14 November 1940, the population was once again subjected to a Luftwaffe (German Air Force) raid in early April 1941. This became known as Coventry’s forgotten blitz, with many more killed and the city further destroyed. The Coventry & Warwickshire hospital was hit numerous times during the April raids. Three staff members working that night became known as the ‘Three Angels’. They were awarded the George Medal for their actions, the highest civilian award for gallantry.
The night of 8 to 9 April 1941, was a memorable night for three staff members working at Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital, Stoney Stanton Road. At around 21:00, a Luftwaffe raid began to hit the city, including the hospital.
On duty that night was Matron Joyce Burton aged 38, Nursing Sister Emma Horne aged 40, and Porter Mary Beardshall aged 28. Following the raid, these women became collectively known as the ‘Three Angels’.
During the night the hospital received ten direct hits, including five high explosive bombs. 25 bombs landed nearby causing damage to the hospital. By the end of the night several doctors and nurses had been killed as well as 30 patients. It was a truly devastating scene at the hospital.
Mary Beardshall was injured during the raid; she suffered a fractured skull when a wall was blown in by a blast. Regardless of this she managed to put out four incendiary bombs that had landed in the hospital. Mary then managed to help numerous people escape the damage by holding up a collapsing beam. As the raid continued with bombs falling around, Mary managed to walk across a ledge to the Alexandra Ward. Once there she assisted in helping to rescue trapped patient’s from under concrete blocks.
Sister Emma Horne was on duty when her ward received a direct hit, destroying the end wall. She immediately evacuated patients and, once clear, rushed to two further wards struck by bombs. She personally pulled patients from the wreckage and carried them to safety. After a delayed bomb exploded, she rescued a junior nurse and stayed with her until help arrived, all under continuous bombing. Described as ‘outstanding,’ Sister Horne showed remarkable courage, disregarded her own safety, and saved many lives through her actions.
Matron Joyce Burton oversaw the nurses on the night of the raid. Despite constant danger, Matron Burton and the nursing staff evacuated patients, rescued the injured from debris, and gave reassurance under fire. They worked tirelessly in darkness, carrying the wounded to safety, often improvising with little equipment. Many nurses were killed or injured, but their courage saved countless lives. The work that Matron Burton and her nurses undertook that night, under dangerous circumstances and pressure. Their bravery and devotion were described as exemplary.